Ethiopian Sabre and Mystery sword just won on eBay..comments please?

katana · 22nd September 2007, 09:38 PM

Hi, just won these two swords (both swords in the same auction), my first Ethiopian sabre 35", looks to be 'overly' cleaned but looks in good condition.

The second has a 'Tulwar' styled hilt

, straight blade with 'WHITES' stamped on the blade OAL 33". It is either 'vintage' or, again, overly cleaned.

Comments, information on age, origin etc on either of the swords would be greatly appreciated...

Regards David

tom hyle · 22nd September 2007, 10:21 PM

The straight sword seems European/Eurocolonial. Are you sure there's not a wooden handle under a wire wrap there? The cross-shaped guard does seem Turk/Persian derived. Did it once have a knucklebow, or why the asymetry to quillon and pommel?

katana · 22nd September 2007, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tom hyle

The straight sword seems European/Eurocolonial. Are you sure there's not a wooden handle under a wire wrap there? The cross-shaped guard does seem Turk/Persian derived. Did it once have a knucklebow, or why the asymetry to quillon and pommel?

Hi Tom,
Thanks for the reply

I did notice that there once could have been a knucklebow...unfortunately I do not have the sword in my possession yet, so can't really comment but judging from the pics it seems there was a knucklebow which was removed due to damage or 'customisation'. I had assumed the handle was wood but again wont know until I received it.

kronckew · 22nd September 2007, 11:18 PM

rats, was watching & gonna bid on those, my system crashed, just got it back a few min. ago.would have liked the ethiopian sabre, not sure about the straight sword tho. good price for the pair! ah, well, now i can increase my bid on the next one

nice snag katana.

p.s. - it does look like there was a protrusion on the guard and a corresponding one on the pommel of the straight sword that could have once been a knuckle guard, now removed and well rounded over.

katana · 24th September 2007, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kronckew

nice snag katana.

.

Thanks Kronckew,
I was surprised at the final price.

The straight sword is likely British made. There was a sword cutler called Jonathon White working in the Strand from 1780 to 1795 but at this time their blades were usually marked 'WHITES LONDON'. I would imagine that if this sword was made by the same swordsmiths ....that this was made after 1795. Bearing in mind that millitary pattern swords became straighter bladed as the 19th c progressed, this could be 19th c.

I have not been able to find a similar hilted sword....I beginning to wonder whether this was a 'custom' piece based on a Indian inspired hilt. If so, it is interesting that the 'disc' pommel is quite small therefore allowing more wrist movement. But would assume that as the sword is more 'cut and thrust' this would be important.

RSWORD · 24th September 2007, 11:51 PM

As far as hilt similarities with your straight bladed sword I would look at the US Cadet sword for those that graduate West Point. The hilt reminds me of those swords.

22nd September 2007, 09:38 PM	#1
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,653	Ethiopian Sabre and Mystery sword just won on eBay..comments please? Hi, just won these two swords (both swords in the same auction), my first Ethiopian sabre 35", looks to be 'overly' cleaned but looks in good condition. The second has a 'Tulwar' styled hilt , straight blade with 'WHITES' stamped on the blade OAL 33". It is either 'vintage' or, again, overly cleaned. Comments, information on age, origin etc on either of the swords would be greatly appreciated... Regards David Attached Images

22nd September 2007, 10:21 PM	#2
tom hyle Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Houston, TX, USA Posts: 1,254	The straight sword seems European/Eurocolonial. Are you sure there's not a wooden handle under a wire wrap there? The cross-shaped guard does seem Turk/Persian derived. Did it once have a knucklebow, or why the asymetry to quillon and pommel?

22nd September 2007, 11:18 PM	#4
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,186	rats, was watching & gonna bid on those, my system crashed, just got it back a few min. ago.would have liked the ethiopian sabre, not sure about the straight sword tho. good price for the pair! ah, well, now i can increase my bid on the next one nice snag katana. p.s. - it does look like there was a protrusion on the guard and a corresponding one on the pommel of the straight sword that could have once been a knuckle guard, now removed and well rounded over.

24th September 2007, 11:51 PM	#6
RSWORD Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 1,084	As far as hilt similarities with your straight bladed sword I would look at the US Cadet sword for those that graduate West Point. The hilt reminds me of those swords.